Omaha daily bee., 1887-04-13

company's engagement at the exposition
building witnessed the performance of
the grand opera "Lohengren," by Rich
ard Wagner. In point of numbers the
audience, perhaps, surpassed that of the
night before. though ii was more cold
and apathetic.
The stage mounting, the scenery, the
costumes, were magnificent in every de-
tail. Altogether the performance passed
off smoothly, and though somewhat long,
was by no means tiresOme. 1t was eX-
actlv five minutes to IL O. clock when the
curtain dropped on the last scene.
The Performances.
As already intimated, the stage setting
of "Lohengrin' was magnificent beyond
description. Everything was on a scale
of unparalleled splendor and the chorus
made volume of sound that was maies-
tic ana thrilling. The only disappoint-
ment OF the audience was in the leading
soprano, Bertha Person. 1t seemed
strangely incongruous with the pertcc-
tion of everything else attending the per-
formance that the strong part of Elsa
should have been entrusted to soprano
with an exasperating tremolo that made
her sing out of tune nearly all through
the opera. The tremolO Is the rankest of
affectatiOn and as such is derogatory to
the high standard of the company. Miss
Persons voice is absolutely devoid of
any harmonious properties and even in
the ensemble passages stood out above
all others shrill and penetrating. Her
stage presence is unusually hne and her
action in some measure atoned for her
vocal Deficiencies. Myron Whitney as
the king had the best possible oppor-
tunity TO display his magnificent voice.
His grand organ tones were full
OF melody. and yet contained
than any other of the singers. Cornelia
Van Zanten failed TO supply the compile
ment OF melody that was lacking in the
other principal female part. Her voice
is a very robust mezzO soprano abso-
lutely without sweetness except in her
lower range of notes, whore some good
tones were heard. She sang with de-
recognition. William Ludwig as Telra-
mund was again a most grateful feature
with his fine voice, superior presence and
forceful acting. William Carididus acted
Lohengrin with considerable spirit and
sang the part as well as u tenor voice of
medium excellence will allow. The
orchestration was the foundation of the
entire performance.
Lakme.
The small and apathetic audience at
the matinee yesterday afternoon was dis
creditable to musical culture here and
disheartening to those who filled with
such painstaking care the requirements
OF Delibe's opera "Lakme." The perfor.
nance was in every way worthy of the
company and taken in its entirety, gave
no scope for criticism. The scenery was
of the tropics and the local color was
artistically preserved throughout even
in the make up of the dancing girls. Pau.
line L'Allemand sang the title role with
great consclentlousness considering the
lack of inspiration and displayed many
points Of excellence as well as
some deficiencies. Her face is
incapable of expressing tragic
feeling and the poor quality of
tone in her lower range detracted from
the force OF her recitative The vibration
her off the key. Her upper tones are
very beautiful, soft and sweet, yet won.
derfully telling. Her execution, as dis.
played in her solo in the second act, is
remarkable for ease and accuracy and
would compare with any prima donna
on the stage. Alonzo Stoddard as Mil
akantha, the Brahmln priest, made an
obvious impression by his fine singing
and dignified presence. His voice is
large and sonorOus and was handled with
skill. Matilda Phillips took an incon-
spicuous part as as did also Jessie Bart.
lett Davis. The former Is valuable prin.
cipally for her reliability: Her voice,
sna snopsn bower OF neSor considerable range
owing to her bad use Of it and straining
after cheap effect by feeling for phenoni.
email low notes that sound as if they came
from an empty barrel. Chas. Bassett,
as Gerald had some heavy work that he
performed acceptably but not brilliantly
his voice seems inferior to his intel.
ligence and is too limited, both rs to vol.
ume and quality for the exactions Of the
parts for which he is cast. VIM. Lee
was competent though not conspicuous,
and displayed . very fine baritone voice
and considerable vim in action.
Lakme.
A more judicious selection than that of
the opera of "Lakme," to be given be.
tween two of Wagner's music dramas.
could scarcely have been made. A GER
tain amount of intellectual fatigue as
well rs enjoyment results from listening
to the music Of the creator of the new
school of opera, which demands an oc.
casional respite, and the exquisite music
OF De'libes, full of tuneful melodies and
abounding in graceful orchestration,
affords the very relief desired. at tho
same time serving as an admirable
fall to the weird and sombrc grandeur of
the Flying Dutchman" and tho bril-
hancy and wealth of dramatic fervor of
the "leibmotive" of "Lohengrin."
.r' Lakme" served to introduce two or
three singers who wero not heard Mon.
day night. Among them Miss L'Alls.
mand easily leads In her impersonation N
OF the title role. Her voice is pure so.
prano Of wonderful range and remarka.
bic brilliancy in the upper register. Her
brilliancy and ease in attaining high
notes was particularly demonstrated in
the Bell Song" when she held T. IN alt
with astounding clearpess and facility.
Though ut times trfe nasal and nnme-
!odious there is sweetness and purcness
10 her voice that is extremely attractive.
AS an artist she deserves much praise.
Mr.. Stoddard as "Nilakantha" ranks
next to the "Lakmc" of Miss l. 'Allcmand
vocaily, and dramatically. While his
voice has not the richness of Mr. I.ud-
wig g. IL is n baritone of much sweotnevs